Seat conditioning module and method

ABSTRACT

A seat conditioning module for a seat conditioning assembly including an air mover, an intake port, outtake port, wherein at least one of the intake port, the outtake port, or both are in fluid communication with a seat surface. A valve assembly with at least two apertures movably disposed between the air mover and the at least one intake and at least one outtake ports. An actuation device for moving the valve assembly to control the passage of the fluid through the at least two apertures. An optional conditioning device in fluid communication with the air mover and the seat surface. A control device for at least controlling the position of the at least two apertures of the valve assembly, the activation of the optional conditioning device, the operation of the air mover, or any combination thereof.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/012,616; Filed: Dec. 10, 2007,hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of conditioninga vehicle seat, more particularly to provide an apparatus and method ofconditioning a vehicle seat via a seat conditioning module using atleast one set of movable valves to communicate through an airdistribution system to a surface of an automotive seat enabling anynumber of conditioning modes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that vehicles are being equipped with a variety offeatures to enhance the comfort of its occupants, particularly featuressuch as ventilated, heated and/or cooled seats (e.g. seat conditioningmodules). These seat conditioning modules can add cost and complexity tothe seats and to the assembly of these seats. It is desirous to design aseat conditioning module so that any number of conditioning modes (e.g.pulling ambient air, pushing ambient air, pushing conditioned air,direct thermal heating via resistance heating, or any combinationthereof) while minimizing the number of components of the seatconditioning module. To this end, the present invention seeks to improveon the current state of the art by the use of a unique fluid controlsystem and conditioning module design to control and enhance theconditioning modes for the occupant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved seat conditioning module and methodof using the unique seat conditioning module to enhance the conditioningenvironment and modes for the occupant.

Accordingly, pursuant to one aspect of the present invention, there iscontemplated a seat conditioning module for a seat conditioning assemblythat may comprise an air mover for moving a fluid and that may befluidly connected to at least one intake port, at least one outtakeport, or both wherein the intake port and the outtake port can be influid communication with a conditioned area via a distribution channel;a valve assembly with at least two apertures that may be movablydisposed between the air mover and the at least one intake and at leastone outtake ports for controlling the movement of the fluid between theat least one intake and at least one outtake ports and the conditionedarea; at least one actuation device that may move the valve assembly tocontrol the passage of the fluid through the at least two apertures orports; an optional conditioning device in fluid communication with theair mover and the conditioned area; and a control device that may atleast control the position of the at least two apertures of the valveassembly, activation of the optional conditioning device, the operationof the air mover, or any combination thereof.

The invention may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe features described herein, such as the optional conditioning devicemay be a thermoelectric device for heating, cooling or both the fluid.The seat conditioning assembly may include a separate heater devicedisposed within 25 mm of a seat surface. The optional conditioningdevice may include at least one thermal collection device for storingthermal energy. The seat conditioning module may further include aventing system disposed adjacent to the seat surface for fluidlycommunicating air from the seat conditioning module to an area of a seatoccupant, from the area of the seat occupant, or both. The ventingsystem may include a thermal conditioning device disposed between theseat conditioning module and a vent aperture located adjacent to theseating surface. The air mover may be disposed in an air-impermeablehousing that defines a hollow chamber which may include at least oneopening which the valve assembly is disposed upon and may be fluidlyconnected to the at least one input and at least one output ports,wherein at least one of the ports may be defined by a air-impermeablehollow tubular structure.

Accordingly, pursuant to another aspect of the present invention, thereis contemplated a method conditioning a vehicle seat, including thesteps of (a) providing a seat conditioning assembly including a seatconditioning module and a distribution channel, wherein the seatconditioning module may include an air mover, a valve system that mayinclude at least two movable apertures disposed between at least oneinput port and at least one output port and may be fluidly connected tothe distribution channel, wherein the distribution channel may befluidly connected to a conditioned area of the vehicle seat; (b)providing an optional conditioning device that may include a thermalcollection device disposed within the seat conditioning module and influid communication with the air mover; (c) moving the at least twoapertures of the valve system such that it may allow air flow betweenthe seat conditioning module and the distribution channel; andactivating the air mover such that it may fluidly communicate air to theconditioned area, from the conditioned area, or both through the valvesystem for conditioning the vehicle seat.

The invention may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe features described herein, such as further including theconditioning device represented by a heat pump having main and wasteside (of Peltier, Stirling, or traditional two phase compression heatpump principles). The valve system may be adapted to block a flowthrough a main side and thus create a condition for collecting thermalenergy or cold in the heat pump main side for following release ittowards the conditioned area when the main side flow is open. Includingthe step of releasing the collected thermal energy or cold in a burst tothe conditioned area

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a series of schematic valve opening positionsaccording to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a series of schematic top views of an exemplaryaspect according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic valve opening positions according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a series of schematic top views according to anotheraspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a series of schematic valve opening positionsaccording to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a series of schematic top views according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a series of schematic valve opening positionsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a series of schematic top views according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a series of schematic top views according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates schematic side view of an exemplary aspect accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a summary schematic top view according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of an exemplary aspect according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of an exemplary aspect according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a top and perspective view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary aspectaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustratively depicted in FIGS. 1-28, the present invention isdirected at an improved seat conditioning module 20 and method forproviding an improved conditioning effect for a conditioned area 52 ofan automotive seat. For all figures, arrows depict an air flow and airflow direction.

In general, one aspect of the present invention contemplates an improvedseat conditioning module 20 for use in a seat conditioning assembly 22of a vehicle seat. The seat conditioning module 20 may include anair-impermeable housing 24 that defines a hollow chamber with an airmover 28 that essentially splits the chamber into two parts, a pull line30 and a push line 32. The pull line 30 being located on the intake sideof the air mover 28 and the push line being located on the output sideof the air mover 28. It is also contemplated that the housing 24 may bepartially or fully air permeable, but preferably is substantiallyair-impermeable. The housing 24 may also contain openings for othercomponents (e.g. openings for wires, assembly tooling, motor coolingflow, spare holes for screws, condensed water drainage, etc.) It shouldbe noted that for purposes of the present invention described below, itis assumed that the air mover 28 motivates the fluid in one direction(e.g. pull line to push line), although it is contemplated that the airmover function could be reversible.

The fluid preferably enters and exits the seat conditioning module 20,into and out from the pull line 30 and the push line 32 respectively,through at least two or more ports 34 in a controllable valve system 36.From these ports 34, air can be fluidly connected to and travel toand/or from a distribution channel(s) 58 including distributionsystem(s) 38 within the seat, a ventilation duct(s) 40, an exhaustport(s) 42, an intake port(s) 44, back into the module, or anycombination thereof, which are further described below. All of theseports 34 could be a variety of shapes and/or sizes, so long as they aresufficiently large to allow enough fluid to pass therebetween toeffectively provide the desired conditioning effect to the seat surface46. It is also contemplated that it may desirous to include fluidpassageways that are not part of the controllable valve system 36 (e.g.open holes or mechanically independent valves in the module wall, notshown) to allow air or other fluids to flow in or out of the module.

The seat conditioning module 20 may also contain (within or spaced apartfrom) a control mechanism or device (not shown). This control device maycontrol (e.g. switch on, off) and/or provide various power levels topart or all of the functions of the module (e.g. air mover, valvesystem, additional conditioning devices, conditioning modes, etc . . .). This control device may include a memory function that storespre-programmed functional information that allows it to control thedifferent “modes” described in further detail below.

In another aspect of the present invention it is contemplated theimproved seat conditioning module 20 as described above also may includea thermal conditioning device 48 (e.g. a thermoelectric heating/coolingunit or “TED”, an interface to the vehicle environmental controlunit—“HVAC”, a heat pump, or the like). When the thermal conditioningdevice 48 is integral to the module (e.g. located within the hollowchamber), it is preferably located within the push line 32 area of themodule. If the thermal conditioning device 48 is remote (e.g. in thecase of the HVAC) from the module, then it may be preferably fluidlyconnected to the module on the pull line 30 side. The inclusion of sucha thermal conditioning device 48 may help with the goal of the presentinvention of improved occupant comfort by allowing the seat conditioningmodule 20 to provide heated or cooled air.

In yet another aspect of the present invention it is contemplated thatthe improved seat conditioning module 20 that includes the thermalconditioning device 48 may also include a thermal energy collectiondevice 50, and optionally a thermo-insulation layer 55. This collectiondevice may serve to collect and store thermal energy for use in what maybe described as a “burst” mode. This “burst” mode may serve to provide arelatively short (e.g. several seconds to several minutes) burst ofadditional thermal conditioning (e.g. thermal energy or cold) to theconditioning area 52 about the seat surface 46.

General illustrative examples of packaging of the system are shown inFIGS. 25-27.

Valve System 36

For purposes of the present invention, the valve system 36 may bedescribed as a substantially air-impermeable layer or layers 54 (e.g. ametal or plastic plate) with a number (e.g. two or more) ofthrough-holes, apertures, or ports 34 that functions to control most, ifnot all, of the fluid flow to and from the seat conditioning module 20.It is contemplated that the function of the valve system 36 may beaccomplished in a number of structural configurations. For example, thevalve system 36 could include a plate member or members (air-impermeablelayer 54) with a series of apertures (ports 34) that either moves in alinear or rotational motion by use of an actuation means 56 (e.g.electric motor, pneumatically, hydraulically, or the like). It also mayinclude cylindrical, conical or spherical shape or of any otheraxis-symmetrical shape with apertures in it. Or a slider of trapezoidalcrossection moving for example in curved tunnel, for example in spiralchannel. Or a belt and drag through curved slot-shaped tunnel. Also thespheroid segment may be moving in polar coordinates and not along thesame route. The motion may be used as a means for positioning theapertures over the desired part of the pull line 30 and push line 32 andthe corresponding distribution channel 58 (e.g. the distributionsystem(s) 38 within the seat, the ventilation duct(s) 40, the exhaustport(s) 42, the intake port(s) 44, etc . . . ). In another example, thevalve system 36 may be structured as a moveable flap 60 or series offlaps, again allowing fluid to flow between the module and the desireddistribution channel 58. Examples of some of the various valve systemsdescribed above are shown in FIGS. 21-24. In particular, FIG. 21 showsan exemplary rotary style vent. FIG. 22 shows an exemplary linear valvesystem. FIGS. 23-24 show an exemplary flap style valve system. It isfurther contemplated that the valves, particularly in the case of flap60 type of valve, may be mechanically linked, independently actuated, orany combination thereof.

It is contemplated that the valve system 36 could utilize either of theabove described structures or any combination thereof, or any fluidcontrol structure that serves the same or similar function. The valveassembly movable element with apertures (or assembly itself) may be doneof variety of shapes able to maintain sufficiently fluid-tight interfacewith structures (ducts) delivering fluid media to/from the conditioningdevice.

Control Device (Not Shown)

For purposes of the present invention, the control device (not shown)may be described as a device or mechanism that functions to controland/or power the functionality and/or the components of the seatconditioning module 20. For example, this may be accomplished by the useof a programmable electronic control module. The control module may beactivated automatically or manually where it essentially instructs (e.g.via electrical signals) the components of the seat conditioning toactivate. For example, the control module may instruct the air mover tomotivate the air in a specific direction, instruct the thermalconditioning device 48 to activate, instruct the valve system 36 to opena desired port 34, or any combination of these actions or more.

Thermal Conditioning Device 48

For purposes of the present invention, the thermal conditioning device48 may be described as a device that changes the thermal energy of thefluid environment (e.g. heating or cooling). Illustrative examplesinclude a TED unit 64, a HVAC unit of a vehicle (not shown), heat pumps(not shown), resistance heaters (not shown), or the like. An example ofa seat conditioning module 20 that may utilize the HVAC unit of avehicle is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. In this example the intake port 44and one possible output port 70 are fluidly connected to the HVAC unitvia a ducting system 66. Additionally, a separate heater device 68 (e.g.an electrical resistance heater) may be located preferably within about35 mm of the seat surface 46, more preferably with about 25 mm or lessof the seating surface 46. This may aid the functionality of the totalsystem by providing all or part of the heating of the seat surface 46that may be desired.

Thermal Energy Collection Device 50

For purposes of the present invention, the thermal energy collectiondevice 50 may be described as a device that takes the thermal energyfrom the thermal conditioning device and stores such energy for futureuse. For example, this may be accomplished by the use of a mass ofthermally conductive materials (e.g. metal, plastic, liquids, gases,phase change materials may also be applied or the like) that is disposedeither on, in the vicinity of, or both of the thermal conditioningdevice 48. It may be massive body in thermal connection with the heatpump main side heat sink or the sink itself may be made heavier thannormal. Any sink has this functionality but normally sinks are light andnot designed to collect the energy. In one example, the thermal energycollection device 50 may be a steel plate brought to connection to theheat sink (attached via thermal conductive paste). Aluminum, copper,steel are examples of suitable materials, but other may be applied aswell.

Distribution System 38

For purposes of the present invention, the distribution system 38 may bedescribed as any system or method (e.g. manifold(s), spacer layer(s) orthe like) for communicating fluid (e.g. air) to and/or from the seatingsurface (e.g. through an air-permeable trim layer). Such distributionsystems 38, at least as they exist internal to the seat and locatedabove the seat conditioning module 20, are taught and described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,786,541; 7,052,091; 7,083,227; and 7,114,771. Thesereferences all incorporated hereto by reference for the express purposeof describing an article or method of communicating a fluid from theimproved seat conditioning module 20 to and/or from the seat surface 46.

In one example of such a distribution system, as described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,786,541; the distribution system involves a pad assembly for aventilated seat. The pad assembly includes a cushion member having aninsert member of higher density foam providing an air distributionplenum. A channel whose open top is closed by a high density foam coverforms the plenum in the higher density insert member. The coveringmember is preferably molded as an integral part of the insert member. Atrim layer would ordinarily cover the cushion, including the insert andinsert channel cover. An open-celled foam layer could be used betweenthe decorative trim layer and the cushion, including the insert andinsert channel cover, to facilitate lateral air distribution to or fromthe cushion plenum while the seat is occupied.

In a second example of such a distribution system, as described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,083,227; the distribution system includes an insert locatedbeneath the trim surface of each ventilated component. The insertincludes a first layer having a heater integrated therein and a secondlayer formed of spacer material wherein the second layer defines an openspace. A tubular structure is preferably provided in the system forproviding the fluid communication between the insert and the fluidmover.

Ventilation Duct 40

For purposes of the present invention, the ventilation duct 40 may bedescribed as a hollow channel member (e.g. a tube, conduit, air plenum,or the like) constructed of at least a semi-ridged material. The duct 40may also be flexible or hinged and locationally adjustable (e.g.allowing a user to change the direction of the air flow). The duct 40may be fluidly connected to the seat conditioning module 20 via anaperture 72 located at a lower duct end portion.

The duct may be fluidly connected to the seat occupant area via a nozzleaperture 74 or set of apertures in an upper duct end portion. The nozzleaperture 74 is preferably located within at least about 100 mm of theseat surface 46, more preferably with about 75 mm, and most preferablywithin about 25 mm or less. It is contemplated that the nozzle aperturesmay be located such that any air output is directed at any number orcombinations of occupant locations (e.g. occupant's head, shoulders,neck, feet, arms, etc.). It is also contemplated that the nozzleapertures 74 could be flush with or sit in a local depression on theseat surface. It is contemplated that nozzle apertures 74 can be anynumber of shapes and sizes ranging pin hole like structures of less thanabout 0.01 mm in diameter to round, square, triangular holes 10 mmacross or more. The nozzle aperture 74 could also be covered in an airpermeable fabric, screen, or filter material.

It is also contemplated that any ventilation duct 40 may also contain athermal conditioning device 76 within, about the walls of the hollowchannel member, or even located adjacent to the nozzle apertures 74. Itis contemplated that this thermal conditioning device 76 may be similarin type to that of the above described thermal conditioning device 48.Also, it could be a heat exchanger, heated or cooled by a liquid carriersupplied from another centralized thermal management system. Thisthermal conditioning device 76 could help provide additional warming orcooling to the seat surface 46 or any area that the ventilation duct 40air output could reach.

Exhaust Port 42

For purposes of the present invention, the exhaust port 42 may bedescribed as a port or aperture that serves as an exit point for fluidfrom the seat conditioning module 20 that may not necessarily bedirected to the seat surface 46 (e.g. directed remotely via a manifoldsystem 80). For example, when a thermoelectric heating/cooling unit (TEDunit 64) is utilized by the present invention, the exhaust port 42 maybe utilized as an exit point for the heated or cooled air from what iscommonly known as the waste side of the TED.

Intake Port 44

For purposes of the present invention, the intake port 44 may bedescribed as a port or aperture that serves as one possible entry pointfor fluid from the environment external to the seat conditioning module20, via the valve system 36. In other words, the intake port 44 may belocated above the valve system, on the pull line 30 side of the seatconditioning module 20 and through which fluid is supplied to the airmover 28. It is also contemplated that this port may be ducted via amanifold system 80 such that it may be possible to be at least partialfluid communication with the vehicle HVAC system or at least have theair taken in remotely from the module.

Operation of the Seat Conditioning Module

The present invention contemplates that the seat conditioning unit mayoperate in a number of “modes”. These modes, which are detailed in theillustrative examples below and shown in FIGS. 1-20, can be described as“Push Mode” (into the seat), “Push Mode” (with partial Nozzle flow),“Nozzle Flow Only”, “Push-Pull Mode”, and “Pull Mode”. A summaryschematic view of the various functions described above is shown in FIG.16.

Of note, each of these modes could be utilized with or without theoptional thermal conditioning devices 48 and 76 and/or thermal energycollection device 50. Additionally, unless the particular mode calls forthe use of the nozzles 74 of the vent ducts 40, inclusion of theventilation ducts 40 may be entirely optional.

Additionally, several valve types (e.g. flap type, slide plates, orrotational plates) are shown in the exemplary figures and are notintended to limit the mode functionality, but are shown as examples ofalternative valve styles.

“Push Mode”

Push mode is generally where the air mover pushes significantly all ofair from the conditioning system to the seat surface 46 through thedistribution system 38. Illustrative examples are seen in FIGS. 1-12 anddescribed in more detail below. Arrows depict the direction of air flow.

Various illustrative schematic views of the push mode, with the optionalvent system and without a conditioning device 48, are shown in FIGS.1-3. The air mover is activated in such a manner as to motivatesubstantially all of the air towards the seat surface 46 via thedistribution system 38. FIGS. 1, 3 show schematic views of the pushmode. FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the valve opening (e.g. port 34)positions.

In another illustrative example, as seen in FIGS. 4-6, an exemplarythermal conditioning device, an exemplary thermal energy collectiondevice 50, and an exhaust port 42 are shown and utilized. This exampleis similar to the above one with some exceptions. The first is that someof the fluid exits the system via the exhaust port 42. Second, anystored thermal energy in the thermal energy collection device 50 wouldbe transferred to the fluid flow going to the conditioning area 52 as inthe “burst” mode as described previously. FIG. 5 shows a schematic viewof the valve opening (e.g. port 34) positions.

In another illustrative example, as seen in FIGS. 7-9, the example shownis similar to that of FIGS. 4-6, except that the optional venting duct40 is not present. FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the valve opening(e.g. port 34) positions.

In another illustrative example, as seen in FIGS. 10-12, the exampleshown is similar to that of FIGS. 1-3, except that an optional remotemanifold system 80 is show and no vent duct 40 is present. FIG. 9 showsa schematic view of the valve opening (e.g. port 34) positions.

“Push Mode” (With Partial Nozzle Flow)

Push mode with partial Nozzle flow is generally where the air moverpushes air from the conditioning system to the seat surface 46 throughthe distribution system 38 and to the nozzles 74 of the ventilationducts 40. Illustrative examples are seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 13, and18, described in more detail below. Arrows depict the direction of airflow. FIGS. 2, 5 show a schematic view of the valve opening (e.g. port34) positions. FIGS. 3, 6, 13, and 18 show examples with a conditioningdevice 48, although this is not necessary for the functioning of thismode of operation.

“Nozzle Flow Only”

Nozzle flow only is an operational mode where substantially all the airis pushed from the module through the vent duct 40 and through thenozzle(s) 74. Illustrative examples can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, and14. FIGS. 2, 5 show a schematic view of the valve opening (e.g. port 34)positions. FIGS. 3, 6, and 14 show examples with a conditioning device48 within the module and with a conditioning device 76, although this isnot necessary for the functioning of this mode of operation.

“Push-Pull Mode”

In an illustrative example, as seen in FIGS. 2-3, of one possiblepush-pull mode configuration is described. In this example, the valvesystem is configured and positioned such that the input port 44 allowsfluid flow from both the seat distribution system 38 and the intake port44 into the seat conditioning module 20. It is also configured to allowfluid to flow out of the exhaust port 42 and the ventilation ducts 40.

“Pull Mode”

In an illustrative example, as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 13, and 18, showpossible pull mode configurations. In the example shown in FIG. 18, thevalve system is configured and positioned such that the input port 44allows substantially only fluid to flow from the seat distributionsystem 38 into the seat conditioning module 20. It is also may beconfigured to allow fluid to flow out of the exhaust port 42. In theexample shown in FIG. 13, the valve system is configured such that airis pulled from the input port 44, the seat surface and from theventilation duct 40. It is contemplated that in the case where anexemplary thermal conditioning device 48 with an exemplary thermalenergy collection device 50 are present, then these devices may beactivated in order to optionally build up a storage of thermal energyfor use at a later time and “mode”.

Combination Mode

It is contemplated that any combination of the above operational modesmay be combined in sequence (e.g. pull mode—push mode—nozzle flow—etc .. . ) over time to provide an occupant with a unique comfort experience.This may be described as a type of thermal conditioning massage. It iscontemplated that a number of combination modes may be predetermined andprogrammed into the control device, discussed earlier. Therefore a usercould selectively choose a pre-programmed combination or alternativelythey could create their own.

Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the variousstructures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of theinvention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Pluralstructural components can be provided by a single integrated structure.Alternatively, a single integrated structure might be divided intoseparate plural components. In addition, while a feature of the presentinvention may have been described in the context of only one of theillustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or moreother features of other embodiments, for any given application. It willalso be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the uniquestructures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods inaccordance with the present invention.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art would realize however, that certainmodifications would come within the teachings of this invention.Therefore, the following claims should be studied to determine the truescope and content of the invention.

1. A seat conditioning assembly comprising: A conditioning moduleadapted to connect to a seat of a vehicle, the conditioning moduleincluding: i) one or more air movers for motivating a fluid, the one ormore air movers including a pull line and a push line, wherein the pullline and the push line are in fluid communication with a conditionedarea of the sea via a distribution system; ii) a valve systemcontrolling fluid movement through the conditioning module incommunication the pull line, the push line, or both and the conditionedarea of the seat; the valve system includes one or more sets of moveablevalves in the push line, the pull line, or both: a) in the pull line,the at least one set of moveable valves is moveable between an intakeport that pulls from an interior of the vehicle, the distributionsystem, or both, directing the fluid to the air mover; b) in the pushline, the at least one set of moveable valves is moveable between thedistribution system, an exhaust that expels fluid to the interior of thevehicle, or both, directing the fluid from the air mover; or c) in boththe pull line and the push line, the at least one set of moveable valvesdirects the fluid to and from the air mover simultaneously through thedistribution system; iii) at least one actuation device for moving thevalve system to control the passage of the fluid through the at leastone set of moveable valves of the valve system; and iv) a control devicefor activating the at least one actuation device to control a positionof the at least one set of moveable valves in the valve system,operating the one or more air movers, or both; wherein the one or moreair movers receive fluid through the pull line from the intake port, thedistribution system, or both; and wherein the one or more air moverssimultaneously pushes and pulls the fluid to and from the conditionedarea of the seat through the valve system.
 2. The seat conditioningassembly of claim 1, further including a conditioning device in fluidcommunication with the air mover and the conditioned area.
 3. (canceled)4. The seat conditioning assembly of claim 2, wherein the seatconditioning assembly includes a separate heater device disposed within25 mm of a seat surface.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. The seatconditioning module of claim 1, wherein the seat conditioning moduleincludes at least one thermal collection device for storing thermalenergy. 8.-12. (canceled)
 13. A seat conditioning assembly comprising: aconditioning module adapted to connect to a seat assembly of a vehicle,the conditioning module including: at least one air mover that moves afluid; an intake; an outlet; a separate heater device; an airdistribution system in fluid communication with a conditioned area ofthe seat assembly; a valve system extending between and connecting theair distribution system and the air mover, the valve system including:at least one set of moveable valves that are movable between the intakeand the outlet; at least one actuation device that moves the valvesystem so that passage of the fluid between the at least one air moverand the intake and outlet is controlled; and a control device thatcontrols a position of the at least one set of moveable valves of thevalve system, operation of the at least one air mover, or both; whereinthe intake and the outlet are both at least partially in communicationwith the air distribution system so that the fluid is removed from theconditioned area of the seat assembly through the intake to the at leastone air mover and from the at least one air mover through the outlet tothe conditioned area of the seat assembly; wherein air is pulled by theat least one air mover from the seat assembly through the intake,circulated through the at least one air mover, and pushed through theoutlet back into the conditioned area of the seat assembly. 14) The seatconditioning assembly of claim 13, wherein all of the fluid supplied tothe at least one air mover is provided through the air distributionsystem. 15) The seat conditioning assembly of claim 13, wherein all ofthe fluid supplied from the at least one air mover is provided to theconditioned area of the seat assembly, to an exhaust in communicationwith the valve system that expels fluid to the interior of the vehicle,or both. 16) The seat conditioning assembly of claim 13, wherein thevalve system is in communication with one or more vent ducts and all ofthe fluid supplied from the at least one air mover is provided throughthe one or more vent ducts. 17) The seat conditioning assembly of claim15, wherein the outlet is movable between the one or more vent ducts andthe conditioned area of the seat. 18) The seat conditioning assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the valve system is rotatable with two or more throughholes that controls the fluid flow to and from the at least one airmover. 19) The seat conditioning assembly of claim 16, wherein the oneor more vent ducts include nozzle apertures that are configured to belocated at an occupant's head, shoulders, neck, feet, or arms so thatthe fluid is directed to the occupant's head, shoulders, neck, feet, orarms. 20) The seat conditioning device of claim 13, wherein the valvesystem is positioned so that the intake port allows the fluid to flowfrom both the seat distribution system and the intake into the at leastone air mover. 21) The seat conditioning assembly of claim 1, whereinone or more vent ducts is connected to the valve system in fluidcommunication with the conditioned area of the seat. 22) The seatconditioning assembly of claim 21, wherein in the push line and the pullline, the at least one set of moveable valves is moveable between thedistribution system, the one or more vent ducts, or both, directing thefluid simultaneously to and from the one or more air movers through thedistribution system, the one or more vent ducts, or both. 23) The seatconditioning assembly of claim 1, wherein all of the fluid supplied fromthe one or more air movers is provided to the conditioned area of aseat. 24) The seat conditioning assembly of claim 23, wherein all of thefluid supplied to the one or more air movers is provided through thedistribution system, the one or more vent ducts, or both. 25) The seatconditioning assembly of claim 21, wherein in the push line, the atleast one set of moveable valves is moveable between the distributionsystem, the one or more vent ducts, the exhaust, or a combinationthereof, directing all of the fluid supplied from the one or more airmovers. 26) The seat conditioning assembly of claim 21, wherein in thepull line, the at least one set of moveable valves is movable betweenthe intake port, the distribution system, the one or more vent ducts, ora combination thereof, directing the fluid from the one or more airmovers. 27) The seat conditioning assembly of claim 22, wherein thevalve system is rotatable with two or more through holes that controlmost of the fluid flow to and from the one or more air movers.